There are some essential elements of the map that will help you read a map carefully. First of all, you will see that there is a compass. This is not the actual compass that you can hold in your hand that will point out the direction. Rather, the map will provide details regarding which one is north, south, west, and east. The second element is the legend, which will provide you with a better understanding of what the colors and details on the map mean.
The third element is the title so that you will know what map you are studying or looking at. The fourth element is the scale. Finally, the last element is going to be the inset map. If the map does not have these basic things, it may be harder to understand the map in general.